The Originals Spoilers: Monique Is a Villain and a Victim

Nothing is black-and-white on The Originals. It’s impossible on a show that asks us to root for a family of killers. That being said, where does the newly-resurrected teenage witch Monique Devereaux fall on the morality spectrum? Executive producer Julie Plec talked to The Hollywood Reporterabout the complexity of the young witch’s role.

"You have to look at her as a villain and as a victim," Julie said. "She was in this limbo state with, what seems, direct access to angry witches who are very, very, very unflinching in their faith and their own abilities and their own people. Either she's a zealot who's just a product of her own environment or she's a little bit kooky. She's probably a little bit of both."

It’s hard to gauge how much of Monique’s personality has changed during her time in limbo. We got to know her a bit in flashback form as Davina’s (Danielle Campbell) best friend and Sophie’s (Daniella Pineda) believing niece. She definitely still believes, but we have to think that she’s changed since her time as Davina’s bestie. After all, Davina has a strict code of morality that probably does not extend to killing one’s own aunt, and Davina — more than anything — just wanted to be a regular teenage girl.

We also have to wonder if Monique is acting entirely of her own accord. The way Celeste whisked the young witch away as soon as she fell from her tomb was somewhat suspicious. When we next saw her, she was a total pod person. Did the witches do something to her to make her obedient? And, if so, can it be reversed? Overall, we’re happy with the return of this character — if only because she shakes things up — we just wish she had more relatable motivations to hold onto. Killing the aunt who tried to protect her? Pretty unrelatable.

What do you is up with Monique? Do you think she has been brainwashed by the witches? Sound off in the comments below!

Catch the next episode of The Originals on Tuesday, February 25 at 8 p.m. ET on the CW.

Kayti Burt is a contributing writer for Wetpaint Entertainment with a penchant for all things pop culture. Follow her on Twitter and Google+!